Learning from the Literati 4

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is the noblest; second, by imitation, which is the easiest; and third by experience, which is the most bitter.”

– Confucius

This is a philosophy we wholly embrace in “Learning from the Literati 4.” In this fourth itineration of our series we asked participating artists to first revisit the literati: their philosophy (Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism), the aesthetics of their gardens and paintings and the role of the literati in traditional society. Yet here you will not find a slavish imitation of the masters, but rather reflections, not only the importance of the literati values but also the frictions experienced by society — the “bitterness” we experience when these values collide against a changing contemporary landscape.